28th Week in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Eph 1:11-14
Brothers and sisters: In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.
Gospel: Lk 12:1-7
At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven–that is, the hypocrisy–of the Pharisees. “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore, whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
FEAR NOT: Unlike the Pharisees, the disciples of Jesus need to have harmony of what is inside and what is shown outside. We know that many martyrs died because they proclaimed what they believed in their heart in spite of the danger for their life. They did not care those who can kill their bodies when it came to the matter of proclaiming their faith as their cause is secure in heaven. Nobody can take away this inner freedom that the Holy Spirit gives us. The awareness of being under the watchful eyes of a provident God makes us fearless and gives us the boldness to proclaim the gospel. Christians live for the praise of God’s glory as Paul writes in the first reading today. In receiving the Spirit we have the foretaste of the eternal gifts awaiting us.
Prayer: Give us Lord the courage to stand for our faith in every situation.
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EVERYTHING SHALL BE REVEALED: Abraham was credited with righteousness because of his belief in God. David also envies those credited with righteousness for God has not recorded their sins. Jesus in the Gospel continues to say that there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed. Tendency to cover, happens when we want to hide the dark deeds. Let us remember that all our deeds will be brought to light. We hear and see many wretched deeds kept under wraps and people prosper in spite of them. But one should not fear the punishment man can give, instead fear the eternal judgment that one will be entitled to the deeds. Therefore, believe in a God whose gaze does not escape. God takes everyone and everything with his eternal care. So, faith in the Eternal Father who treats all gently should always be our anchor of faith.
PRAYER: God bless the human community and help them find you as the greatest source of power
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EVERY SECRET WILL BE REVEALED: “Walls have ears” the saying goes. This is to say that everything spoken in whispers will at one time be brought to light and shouted at rooftops. There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed. All we do in hiding and masking will be unmasked and the truth will come out. Even when Jesus is addressing his disciples, he does not speak to them in private but within the large circles of many people. He warns them to be aware of hypocrisy of the Pharisees, of their ways, life, words, behaviour, and false teaching. Like Pharisees, you and I, all we do will be brought to light. Amidst all these, Jesus tells us not to be afraid of those who kill the body by their words and deeds, rather fear Him who has power over our soul and body, who after death, possesses power to determine our fate, whether in eternal damnation or in eternal bliss. We should fear God who has power over us, not the worldly worries that include the fear of human beings.
DAILY GOSPEL 